Thousands of people are diagnosed with the cancer every year and the number of cases is rising sharply
A subtle symptom of the UK’s fastest-growing cancer could be detected when you speak. According to Cancer Research UK, over 4,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer annually in the UK.
While more than 80% survive, it still claims an average of 405 lives each year, and the number of cases is on the rise. The charity has highlighted that thyroid cancer has seen the most rapid increase in incidence over the past decade in the UK, with a 61% rise in females and a 64% rise in males.
This is followed by liver cancer, which has increased by 36% in females and 44% in males. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment, so being aware of the symptoms is crucial.
One lesser-known sign is a hoarse voice. Although the charity’s experts say this is more likely to be due to a bacterial or viral infection, if it persists for more than three weeks, it should be checked by a GP, reports Surrey Live.
The NHS states that thyroid cancer remains relatively rare in the UK and is more prevalent in women. It explains: “Thyroid cancer is cancer that’s found in the thyroid gland – a small gland in the front, lower part of your neck.
“It makes and releases hormones that help with things like your digestion, muscles and heart. How serious thyroid cancer is depends on the type of thyroid cancer, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.”
Symptoms of thyroid cancer
The disease comes with five key warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. These symptoms might seem ordinary, but they could be a red flag:
- a lump in the front, lower part of your neck – the lump usually feels hard, slowly gets bigger and is not painful
- a hoarse voice
- a sore throat
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- pain in the front of your neck, or a feeling like something is pressing against your neck
Other symptoms can include:
- a red face (flushing) – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- softer poos or diarrhoea
- weight loss
However, the NHS warns it’s crucial to remember: “These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have thyroid cancer.
“But it’s important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.”
When should you book a GP appointment?
See a doctor if:
- you have a lump in your neck – either a new lump or an existing lump that’s getting bigger
- you’ve had a hoarse voice, sore throat or cough for more than 3 weeks
- you have pain in the front of your neck, or a feeling like something is pressing against your neck
Ask for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111 if:
- you’re having difficulty swallowing or breathing
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.